Business Women Australia Podcast Show – Is Your Cybersecurity Education Helping,— or Quietly Doing Harm?
As organisations rush to adopt AI and digital tools, many are investing in cybersecurity training. But are we actually making people safer?
Or are we unintentionally creating fear, silence, and shame?
In this important episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show, Caitriona Forde, Managing Director of caIT and PhD researcher in human-centred cybersecurity, explores why traditional, compliance-driven cyber education is failing to change behaviour, and what leaders can do differently.
Tune in to the conversation with Lyn Hawkins, Director of Business Women Australia, and Caitriona as she reframes cybersecurity as a leadership, culture, and wellbeing issue, not just a technical one.
We’ll explore:
- Why fear-based cyber education can do more harm than good
- How AI-driven scams, deepfakes, and misinformation have changed the risk landscape
- What a psychologically safe workplace looks like when cyber incidents and near-misses occur
- How organisations can normalise conversations about digital safety without blame or shame
- Why digital literacy is now a life skill, for employees, volunteers, boards, and communities
- How SMEs, not-for-profits, and community organisations can build confidence and capability without complexity
This conversation is especially relevant for:
- SME owners and leaders
- Community and for-purpose organisations
- Boards and senior decision-makers
- People and culture, risk and operations leaders
- Anyone responsible for educating, supporting, or protecting others in a digital world
Cyber safety isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about creating environments where people feel confident, informed, and supported to make good decisions.
Don’t miss this episode, tune in and listen via LinkedIn, Meta, YouTube, or catch up on Spotify or iTunes – Business Women Australia Podcast Show.
About Caitriona Forde
Caitriona has 20 years of experience in the IT industry, and as the founder and Director of CaIT Cyber Safe Pty Ltd, she has focused her attention on Cyber Security and the impact it has on business. In particular, she has a strong focus on the human element of Cybersecurity and assisting companies to train their staff to be the first line of defence against cybercriminals.
Caitriona is passionate about raising awareness of the risks of Cybercrime and helping all businesses to be Cyber Safe. She holds a Master’s in Cybersecurity, has commenced her PhD, and is a highly regarded keynote speaker. Cait has numerous accolades, including the Women in Technology WA award and being a finalist in the Australian Women in Cyber Security awards. She is a highly regarded, much-loved leader in the Business Women Australia community.
Caitriona’s primary services include:
- Cyber Awareness training and workshops
- Cyber Security Consulting
- Keynote speaking
About Lyn Hawkins
Lyn Hawkins is the National Director of Business Women Australia and Principal of Hawkins Marketing. With decades of experience advising organisations from startups to enterprises, Lyn is a highly sought-after strategist, facilitator, and executive coach. Her expertise spans business growth strategy, leadership development, cultural change, marketing and business development.
Passionate about creating opportunities for women, Lyn leads Business Women Australia’s national community, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and peer-to-peer support. She is dedicated to helping women elevate their careers, businesses, and influence.
About Business Women Australia
Business Women Australia (BWA) is a vibrant national collective of women from all sectors, industries, and professions. With a fast-growing group of more than 20,000 followers, BWA provides access to:
- A supportive network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
- Professional development programs, leadership masterminds, and retreats.
- Inspiring podcasts, webinars, and thought-leadership events.
- Opportunities to collaborate, connect, and grow.
BWA’s vision is to elevate women with knowledge, influence, and connection, helping members achieve their full potential both professionally and personally.
👉 Join today and be part of a national movement of women making an impact.
🔗 businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership